With words, we declare what we are thinking, and a non-believer simply does not reject the beliefs of other people. Rather, he or she stands in a position of not being a believer, and keeps this to him or herself. There is no rejection other than not-believing.

The larger setting is more mysterious than an atheist is willing to admit. So it is good to have the distinction between an atheist and a non-believer above water.

Thank you for sparring with me. I appreciate it.